Breakdown of Ben's White Rice Calories
Understanding the calorie content of Ben's white rice requires looking at the different product types available: the traditional dry, boxed rice and the convenient pre-cooked Ready Rice pouches.
Ben's Ready Rice: Original Long Grain White
Ben's Ready Rice offers a quick meal solution with clear nutritional information based on the cooked product.
A single 8.8 oz pouch, containing two servings, has 200 calories per 1-cup serving. The total pouch contains about 400 calories. Its ingredients include parboiled long grain rice and a small amount of canola oil, contributing to its caloric value.
Ben's Original Dry, Long Grain Enriched Parboiled White Rice
The dry, boxed version of Ben's white rice is measured uncooked. The nutritional label states that 1/4 cup of the dry rice contains approximately 160 calories. This dry quantity will yield more than 1/4 cup when cooked. Unlike the Ready Rice, this version doesn't include added oil unless you incorporate it during cooking.
Calorie Comparison: Ben's vs. Generic White Rice
The calorie count of white rice can vary depending on brand and preparation. Here's a comparison:
| Feature | Ben's Ready Rice (per 1 cup cooked) | Generic Cooked White Rice (per 1 cup) | Generic Cooked White Rice with Oil (per 1 cup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200 | ~205 | ~242 |
| Fat | 3g | 0.44g | 5.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 44.51g | 44.32g |
| Protein | 5g | 4.25g | 4.25g |
| Key Difference | Includes canola oil in ingredients | Cooked in water only | Cooked with added oil |
Factors Influencing Calorie Counts
Beyond the specific product, several elements can affect the final calorie count of a rice dish:
- Cooking Method: Adding ingredients like oil or butter during cooking increases calories.
- Serving Size: Precise measurement, ideally with a food scale, is key for accurate calorie tracking.
- Added Ingredients: Sauces, gravies, and toppings significantly impact the total calorie count.
Making Health-Conscious Choices
Ben's Original products offer clear nutritional information to aid calorie tracking. The Ready Rice provides a consistent, pre-measured serving. For greater control, cooking dry rice with only water minimizes calories.
The Role of Resistant Starch
Cooking and cooling rice can increase resistant starch, a type of fiber beneficial for gut health. Reheating cooled rice largely maintains this resistant starch.
Conclusion
To determine the calories in Ben's white rice, identify the product type. Ben's Ready Rice contains approximately 200 calories per 1-cup serving, while the dry rice has 160 calories per 1/4 cup dry. The final calorie count of dry rice also depends on preparation. Always account for added ingredients like oils or sauces for accurate tracking. Checking the product label is crucial for the most precise nutritional details. For further nutritional details, consult the official Ben's Original website.